Nitrogen Carryover Unlikely After Wet Winter, Spring

Source: Purdue University | May 21, 2013

Extra nitrogen left in the soil after drought[3] reduced corn yields last year has likely been lost with excess soil moisture in the winter and spring, says Jim Camberato, a Purdue Extension agronomist. Most leftover N was in the form of nitrate, which is easily lost with soil moisture and to the air.

"A dry winter and spring would have allowed some of the nitrate to carry over to the upcoming corn crop," says Camberato. "Unfortunately, in most of Indiana the winter and early spring have been anything but dry."

Between October and April, most of Indiana had more than 15 in. of precipitation, 4-8 in. above normal for a majority of the state. If corn growers want to determine N levels in their soils, Camberato says sampling is an option.